Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has heaped praise on captain Michael Olunga after he became the joint record goalscorer with his goal in the 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana.
Olunga returned to the Harambee Stars after a long injury lay-off and netted his 35th senior international goal with the equaliser to make it 1-1, as he netted from the spot just before the break.
And the towering striker, who has been prolific in the last few seasons in the Gulf has added a reference point to work from for McCarthy – as an inspiring figure on and off the pitch for a squad in transiiton.
“An example of an utmost professional, he doesn’t need to fly up and down at his age, he can have a week off, but he’s still dedicated to come and wants to leave a legacy for his country,” he said.
“He gives 100%, the ways he plays is how he trains, as a captain, his example makes the rest of the team follow, to have him in the squad, his aura, he’s a giant, not many players would want to face him.
“Everyone follows his example, it’s great to have such a leader om and off the pitch, he had a long layoff of injury, with just four or five games, one start and look at the performance against two top centre-backs like Okon and Makhanya killing it at Rangers. He’s just a great example.”